The Streaming Insider (7/21/2020): Netflix Adds New Streaming Option / Update on ‘Friends’ Reunion
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Netflix Launches on Nest Hub, Tests New Plan in India
The list of devices on which viewers can watch Netflix is growing, as are the company’s streaming options available around the world.
The TL;DR
- Netflix’s app launched on Google’s Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max Tuesday, joining most other major streamers.
- The company also launched a low-cost “Mobile+” plan in India that brings high definition streaming to subscribers’ phones, tablets and computer screens for 399 Indian rupees per month ($4.70).
The streaming giant launched apps on Google’s Nest Hub and larger version Nest Hub Max Tuesday. Other streaming services including Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube and Tubi are already available on the devices – Amazon Prime Video is the major remaining holdout.
Google Assistant will allow users to pause, play or skip forward in shows with a simple ask.
On top of the Nest Hub launch, Netflix let us know what you think.
Long-Awaited “Friends” Reunion Show Still a Go for HBO Max
One of the biggest draws to HBO Max has yet to reach the service, but its arrival might be in sight.
In February, a much-anticipated reunion special that would bring the entire cast of “Friends” – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer – was confirmed for the platform’s May 27 launch. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production was indefinitely delayed.
Monday night on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Schwimmer said that production is tentatively back on for August.
“We’re going to wait and see [for] another week or two, if we all determine it’s really safe enough to do,” Schwimmer said. “And if it’s not, then we’ll wait until it’s safe.”
Budget for the reunion special is reported to be in the $20 million range, with each cast member getting between $3 million to $4 million for appearing.
More Streaming News to Binge…
- MLB Network & MLB Network StrikeZone Now Live on fuboTV
- Locast Expands Its Reach in Florida, Now Available in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach
- New ESPN Study Finds That 59 Percent of Sports Fans Want Live Sports to Return
- New Roku Study Explores Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Streaming Habits